Spain achieved their first aim of the tournament by qualifying for next year's World Championships in Japan, but they lost their semi-final to Germany by just one point before falling apart in the game for the bronze medal against France - losing by 30 points.

COACHES

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Spain coach Mario Pesquera has been given the full backing of Spanish Basketball Federation president Jose Luis Saez.

Although he succeeded in his primary aim of taking Spain to next year's FIBA World Championship in Japan, Pesquera was unable to emulate his immediate predecessors and come home from the recent EuroBasket with a medal.

Pau Gasol is desperate to guide Spain to World Championship glory next year after being forced to watch his country's unsuccessful EuroBasket 2005 campaign from the commentary box.

The Memphis Grizzlies star was unable to take part in the recent tournament because of a foot injury, although he was present in Belgrade in his role as an expert commentator for Spanish television station, TVE.